Frequently Asked Questions
Click a category below to find FAQs in that topic. If you still don’t find your answer, feel free to contact us directly and one of our staff will be happy to help!
General
What's an average day like on a Coldwater Course?
After waking up, our morning routine includes a hearty breakfast with hot drinks, a reflection or teaching time, followed by journaling, and packing up camp to head out for the day! Most days are spent travelling through the wilderness together, and students work hard to master skills such as: paddling, portaging, navigation by map and compass, cooking, shelter-building and campcraft. In addition to learning new backcountry skills, the wilderness environment itself presents ample challenges: changing weather, pesky bugs, and tricky terrain. These very challenges are the means by which the group learns about God, themselves and each other. The group will prioritize reflection along the way, through conversation, writing, sharing, rest and celebration- being sure to capture the learning available through the adventure.
What does faith-based mean?
Coldwater is rooted in and motivated by historical Biblical Christianity. Coldwater staff are all committed to a personal relationship with Christ and their community of faith. Coldwater is not affiliated with any single denomination, and is eager to serve all students, regardless of faith background, or even if you have no faith background. Coldwater trips include Scripture, community, reflection and prayer.
Where do students go on their trips?
Coldwater programs primarily take place within the 50-mile radius of wilderness to the West and North of our basecamp, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding Superior National Forest. Occasionally Coldwater has been known to venture into wilderness areas beyond, such as Montana’s Bighorn mountains and Ontario’s vast provincial parks.
How do I register?
Just click the button below! It will take you to our registration page where you make an account, select the trip you are signing yourself or your child up for and walk through the guided process until you’re finished and can click submit! It usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
Who are Coldwater Instructors?
Coldwater instructors are college-age and older. At minimum, they have all gone through a rigorous 6-week Coldwater Instructor training program, including an intensive 3-week wilderness expedition of their own. They also hold a Wilderness First Responder certification. Instructors are well equipped to navigate whatever challenges come up on a wilderness expedition.
Growing Leaders
Can I bring a friend or relative?
What does faith-based mean?
Once you register, we will send you a packing list of everything you need to bring! We’ll provide group gear, like canoes, packs, tarps/shelters, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal gear like a rain jacket and shoes! Don’t have what’s on the packing list? Don’t fret! We also have a lot of extra gear that you can borrow if you don’t have it at home
Where do students go on their trips?
Yes, just make sure to include that information as you fill out your med form prior to your trip. We can accommodate most food allergies. Our packed trip food is produced in a facility that also packages tree nuts. However, this can typically be sorted through depending on the allergy. If you have questions about this prior to registering for a trip, just ask!
How do I register?
Just click the button below! It will take you to our registration page where you make an account, select the trip you are signing yourself or your child up for and walk through the guided process until you’re finished and can click submit! It usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
Who are the Coldwater Instructors?
Wilderness Courses
Can I bring a friend or relative?
What if the course I want is waitlisting?
If the course you want is waitlisting, that means it is currently full. You should go ahead and waitlist for that course. You can also sign up for a different course within your age group. However, waitlisting will let us know that you are interested, and it will cue us to try to add a course, or find another way to get you on a trip.
Can my child attend a program outside of his or her age group?
We give first choice to students within the stated age group, according to their age at the time of the course. If your student is interested in joining a course outside of his/her age group, for any reason, contact us! We’ll put them on a waitlist, and check back in with you at the beginning of the summer. At that point, we will consider special exceptions. If you want to be sure your student gets a trip this summer, register him/her now for the appropriate age group! Either way, reach out, we’d be glad to talk more with you about your specific situation.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes! Be sure to indicate on your registration if you are interested in financial assistance. You’ll be asked to answer a few questions, then we’ll be in touch about scholarship options! We also have a 20% discount for siblings and a 40% discount for Cook County, MN residents.
What level of wilderness experience or swimming ability is required?
None! Unless otherwise specified, our experiences are designed to accommodate people of all skill levels. Just come willing to try new things! We adhere to a strict policy that if you are in water or on water (in a canoe), then you must be wearing a coast guard approved lifejacket. If swimming isn’t your strength, come! You will enjoy a great experience along with everyone in your group.
Giving
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Coldwater Foundation is a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. All donations are 100% tax deductible. We depend on your generous donations to further the Coldwater mission. Giving receipts are issued to our donors in a report at the start of the new year.
I’d like to make a change to my giving. Can you help me?
If you’d like to make a change in your giving, check first with your donation method. For Donorbox donations, you can update your giving there. If you donate through billpay, contact your bank to make changes. If you have questions or need further assistance, give us a call, or reach out to jen@coldwaterfoundation.org.
Why do Coldwater staff raise support?
Coldwater is a small, independent non-profit ministry—not funded by a parent denomination or larger camp network—so the mission depends on generous partners.
Program fees cover only part of the actual cost of wilderness training. We keep tuition far below market rates so every student can participate, regardless of financial ability. (Comparable wilderness programs cost three to four times more.) We also provide scholarships for any family that needs help.
To form excellent leaders, Coldwater invests deeply in staff development. Each instructor receives a 3-week training trip, a month of intensive leadership preparation, and a full Wilderness First Responder certification—all at no cost to them. Housing, meals, and a summer salary are also provided.
Because we prioritize training, accessibility, and care for our leaders, program income cannot fully cover staff costs. Support raising helps supplement salaries so instructors can serve without financial strain and allows us to keep courses accessible to students.
Too many ministry workers experience burnout. Every staff member needs a team around them. The support-raising model builds that team by surrounding each leader with prayer and financial partners. This approach strengthens our people, sustains their ministry, and allows Coldwater to prioritize high-quality training, rest, and long-term health.
Supporting staff is one of the most strategic ways to invest in Coldwater’s mission—because excellent leaders are what make transformational experiences possible.
What is Coldwater's Statement of Faith?
Can you tell me about Coldwater’s Annual Banquet?
Facing challenge is the means by which we become stronger, more aware, and more ready for whatever comes next. We believe that within struggle is a great opportunity for growth. Embracing challenge is a valuable mindset for when life gets difficult.
Mink Lake Wilderness Camp
Can I stop by for a visit?
Absolutely! We would love to meet you, give you a tour, and tell you about our ministry. You are welcome to attend a Course Celebration Day, join us for a meal, or just stop by on your way through. Reach out to let us know when you’re coming!
What else is located on Mink Lake?
While Coldwater’s basecamp has the only private buildings on Mink Lake, Mink Lake also has a public beach and a public fishing dock. Mink Lake is 57 acres, and 15 feet deep, stocked with both Rainbow Trout and Splake.
What’s the difference between “Mink Lake” and “Coldwater?”
Coldwater Foundation is our non-profit organization. Mink Lake Wilderness Camp is the name of Coldwater’s basecamp location. Coldwater Foundation was founded in 2009, and moved operations to Mink Lake full time in 2015.
Where is Mink Lake Wilderness Camp located?
Mink Lake is 13 miles Northeast of the town of Grand Marais, MN. The physical address of our basecamp is: 56 Mink Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604. But please send mail to: PO Box 501, Grand Marais, MN 55604, as we don’t get mail at basecamp.
Is there cell service or wifi?
No, we are privileged to be located in one of the few remaining places in the United States that is outside the reach of standard cell service. We have emergency systems in place, but enjoy a culture removed from the daily use of cell phones. When you come to Mink Lake, we invite you also to set aside your devices and enjoy the peace and presence with us!
